Kentucky lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office
The fastest way is the online method through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, update your address, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed form or visit a driver's license office in person — both take longer but require no computer access.
Kentucky does not charge a fee to change your address. The state does not issue a new physical card with the updated address unless you request one, which costs $20. Your current license remains valid; the address change is recorded in the system.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is the fastest option and takes effect when ready.
- You can also mail Form DL 44 (Address Change) to the address listed on the form, or visit a driver's license office in person.
- Changing your address is free; a replacement card with the new address costs $20 if you want one.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address to complete any method.
- Your current license stays valid after the address change — you do not have to get a new one unless you choose to.
Changing your address online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online services portal at drive.ky.gov. Click on the option to manage your driver's license information. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. Once logged in, select the option to update your address and enter your new Kentucky address.
After you submit the change, the system confirms the update when ready. The address change is recorded in Kentucky's driver's license database right away, so it will show up when law enforcement or other agencies check your record. You do not need to do anything else — your license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but your official address on file is the new one.
Mailing a form to change your address
read or request Form DL 44 (Address Change) from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. You can print it from the Cabinet's website or pick one up at any driver's license office. Fill in your driver's license number, your current address, and your new address. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself — this is typically the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's central processing office in Frankfort. Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks. Once received and processed, your address is updated in the system, though you will not receive written confirmation unless you include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
Changing your address in person at a driver's license office
Visit any Kentucky driver's license office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and new address. The office staff will update your address on the spot, and the change is recorded when ready.
No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting in person is useful if you want to request a replacement card with your new address at the same time, though that adds the $20 fee. If you only need the address changed in the system, there is no charge and you can leave with your current license.
What counts as proof of your new address
Kentucky accepts several documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your name and new address also work. The document must be recent — generally within the last 60 days — and must show your full name and the complete new address.
If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, some offices will accept a letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead confirming your new address, or a government-issued document like a voter registration card or tax return showing the new address. Call your local driver's license office before you visit to confirm what they will accept, since standards can vary slightly between locations.
Getting a replacement card with your new address
If you want a new physical card printed with your updated address, you can request one at the same time you change your address. The replacement card costs $20. You can request it online through the Transportation Cabinet website, by mail with Form DL 44, or in person at a driver's license office.
A replacement card usually arrives by mail within two to three weeks if you request it online or by mail. If you request it in person, the office may be able to issue it on the spot, depending on whether they have a card printer on site — call ahead to ask. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so there is no gap in your ability to use it for identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver's license when I move?
Kentucky law requires you to notify the Transportation Cabinet of a change of address within 10 days of moving. However, there is no penalty for not doing so, and your license remains valid for identification purposes. Updating your address keeps your official record accurate and ensures you receive any notices or correspondence from the state at the correct location.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person even if your license is expired. The address change does not require a valid license. However, if you need to renew your license at the same time, that is a separate process with its own requirements and fees.
How long does it take for the address change to show up in the system?
Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date the Transportation Cabinet receives your form. In-person changes at a driver's license office are recorded right away, though it may take a few hours for the change to appear in all state databases.
What if I move out of Kentucky?
If you move to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state. You can still update your Kentucky address one final time if you want, but you will eventually need to obtain a license in your new state of residence. Some states allow you to keep an out-of-state license for a limited time, but Kentucky's license is tied to Kentucky residency.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. Only the license holder can request an address change. If you are unable to visit an office or use the online system yourself, you can have someone help you fill out the mail form, but you must sign it. The Transportation Cabinet will not process an address change request signed by someone other than the license holder.